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There is probably no other city on earth as
steeped in history as Rome. At the end of every winding cobbled
passageway is another awe-inspiring monument, another beautiful
piazza or another breathtaking view.
The men are chic. The women are beautiful.
The driving is as crazy as a Ben Hur chariot race.
For thousands of years this has been the
cradle of western civilization. More recently, for a couple of
millennia, it is has been the second most important center of
Christianity after Jerusalem.
Fortunately the city went to extravagant
efforts to celebrate the 200th anniversary two years ago and the
effects of the clean up can still be enjoyed after the worst of
the crowds have gone. That does not mean Rome is tourist free.
They have been coming since well before Julius Caesar was a boy.
None of those tourists can have failed
to be overawed by the Eternal City. And none can have left
without the feeling that there was more they never had time to
see.
You will never see it all, and neither
should you try. But there are some sights that you should not
miss.
Spring and fall are the seasons when the
climate and scenery are at their best. Some may find summer
unpleasantly hot, although it’s no worse than Chicago or New
York. Many restaurants close in August as Roman office workers
leave town.
Winter can be chilly, but less tourists
means lower prices and fewer crowds. Holy Week is the hardest
time to find a room as the faithful head for the Easter
celebrations. Really though, there is no bad time to visit Rome. |
